The Stephen Christie Group

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Stephen talks about what's happening in the Wood Ranch Market. Find out what your home is worth.

It's a new month, are you struggling with keeping your new year's resolutions? Check out this video about Bikram Yoga Studio and see how you can get back on track.

www.cghomes.com

www.searchyourhome.com

www.cghomes.com

www.searchyourhome.com

Stephen Christie interviews Tim Adams with Specialty Fitness. They talk about health and fitness.

www.cghomes.com

www.searchyourhome.com

Elite Fitness Plus (EFP) is an exclusive training facility focused on the long term health benefits of the fitness and nutritional enhancement.

www.cghomes.com

www.searchyourhome.com

Stephen talks about some great places to start the year off right.

Traditionally, with each new year comes a time to reflect on changes we want or need to make, things we want to achieve or accomplish, ways we want to grow in our life over the course of that year. Whether the focus is personal, spiritual, financial, career-minded, or some other form of growth or change – there is a constant: A need or desire for something different or new.

Heading in to 2012, there exists an abundance of opportunity in the real estate market.  Whether you want to buy, sell, or invest… remodel, renovate, or simply redecorate… or finally stop struggling and start fresh… there is something for you to take advantage of, and create growth from in the process.

BUY / INVEST:  SoCal’s home prices are a steal! But what compounds the opportunity in purchasing a home right now is the fact that interest rates are historically low too.  In the long run, paying less for a home isn’t as significant as being charged less for it, and to have both on your side today is like a golden egg.  Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, upgrade buyer, or investor – wouldn’t you want to have a splash of gold in your nest egg for the future?!

SELL / REDECORATE:  This is the perfect market climate for sellers wanting to up (or down) grade.  Though you may be selling for “less” today, that also means you’re buying for less!  As referenced above, you have to look at the long run / big picture in this situation.  …Once you’re preparing the home to sell, consult with a knowledgeable home stager about how your décor is situated.  How your home looks and “feels” to potential buyers is an essential consideration for obtaining the best outcome.

REMODEL / RENOVATE:  Whether your home needs a little TLC, some repair work to be done, or to be completely updated, contemplating what to do and how to do it so that you get the most bang for your buck now as well as down the line when you do sell, is very important.  There are many things to consider, and you want to make sure it’s done right.  A home’s renovations can greatly increase its desirability or completely turn people off.  Consulting with a local real estate expert can help to inform and direct you in what will truly be of benefit to you down the road.

MODIFY / SHORT SALE:  With so many homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payment, loan modifications and short sale options have become a great alternative in these times of hardship.  However there is also a lot of misinformation out there, and a fear which is instilled by lack of knowledge and understanding, so that homeowners are confused and don’t know where to turn or what the best option for them really is.  It is crucial to work with an experienced professional who knows how to handle the bank’s process, submit a complete package, and negotiate the best outcome for you.  Current laws allow for a chance to start over without financial repercussion – take advantage of it!

So which of these options are you contemplating?  Whichever way you want to go, remember this: Interest rates can’t and won’t stay this low.  Real estate is cyclical – it goes up, down, and then inevitably back up again.  Laws expire, and tax breaks / debt forgiveness eventually will too.  When any of these opportunities are no longer available, which side of the fence do you want to be standing on: the “I Wish I Had” or “I’m Glad I Did” side?

The best way to determine that for your self is to get ALL of the information together.  Talk to an expert in the field… Someone who has been there, done that, and succeeded in obtaining what you also seek.  Then when you consult with the expert, ask questions - a lot of them, so that you have all of the facts and information you need to make the best decision for you and your future.

Welcome to YOUR new year!  It’s started… Now, what are you going to do with it?

Stephen and Kyle talk about what the first and most important step is to buying a home. The process may be easier than you think. Check out this 3 min video to find out.

Stephen Christie goes though the steps of what a short sale is and if it's a good strategy for you. In 5 minutes you will understand the process and what's involved to move forward.

How many homes should you look at before writing an offer? 40-50? Nope! Can you believe 3-5? Yes! And this is how...because of technology that you have access to, and the systems that we have created, we are able to do so much of the pre-work or pre-screening ahead of time.

It's so cool and this is how....

December is already here! The Stephen Christie Realty Group has a challenge for you.

We all have a few more weeks to make a difference in the lives of others and the community. Who can you invite over for a meal or dessert that is feeling a bit down this time of year? What local merchant can you shop at, for even 1 gift, instead of a national chain store? Can you take a few hours out of a day to help a community organization?

Let's all challenge one another to give back!